Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza City Amid Hostage Crisis; Trump Warns Hamas Against Using Captives as Human Shields
As Israel launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, the conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas entered a new and intense phase.
The military operation, following weeks of relentless airstrikes that flattened large sections of the city, aims to dismantle Hamas’s remaining military infrastructure.
Israeli officials have warned that the campaign could last several months, highlighting the scale of destruction and humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Trump Warns Hamas Over Hostages
US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas against using hostages as “human shields” in Gaza City.
Speaking on Tuesday, Trump said, “We’re going to see what happens, because I hear Hamas is trying to use the old human shield deal. And if they do that, they’re going to be in big trouble.”
Earlier, Trump had posted on Truth Social, urging the release of all captives: I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen, or ALL ‘BETS’ ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!”
Out of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, 2023, 48 remain in captivity, with only around 20 believed to be alive.
Recent reports suggest that Hamas has moved some of the hostages above ground, prompting fears that the militants may be using them to deter Israeli forces from entering Gaza City.
Families of Hostages Protest
The human cost of the conflict has been starkly highlighted by the families of hostages. On Monday, they met with IDF Chief Eyal Zamir, expressing deep concern that their loved ones were being used as “living human shields” against the Israeli ground offensive.
Later that evening, families gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, pleading for the offensive to be halted.
Anat Angrast, whose son Matan remains in Hamas custody, spoke emotionally: Netanyahu gave the order to bomb my child.
He knows that Matan is in immediate danger due to the Gaza operation, yet he decided to bomb him to death. He is the only one who will decide whether Matan lives or dies.”
Hamas, in turn, has made it clear that the remaining hostages will only be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Israel’s Ground Offensive
The ground offensive, described by Israeli military sources as the “main phase” of the Gaza City operation, began Tuesday following weeks of sustained aerial bombardment.
A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that approximately 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remain in Gaza City, along with a network of tunnels used for guerrilla operations.
Though Hamas’ military strength has been substantially weakened over nearly two years of conflict, the group continues to carry out guerrilla-style attacks, targeting military posts and planting explosives before disappearing into the city’s complex urban terrain.
Mass Displacement of Palestinians
The offensive has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. Before evacuation warnings began, around 1 million Palestinians were living in Gaza City. Israeli estimates suggest that 350,000 people have fled, while the United Nations reports indicate that over 220,000 Palestinians have left northern Gaza in the past month alone.
Many face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies, exacerbating the already dire conditions.
Israeli military graphics suggest that the operation aims to secure control over the majority of the Gaza Strip, except for a coastal strip, while attempting to neutralize remaining militant capabilities.
Humanitarian and Military Challenges
As Israel presses forward with the offensive, the conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians, infrastructure, and the densely populated urban landscape.
Aid agencies warn of worsening famine, mass displacement, and the destruction of homes, hospitals, and schools.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces face the challenge of clearing Hamas fighters entrenched within tunnels and densely built neighborhoods, highlighting the complexity of urban warfare.
The situation remains fluid, with intense international attention focused on the fate of the hostages, the humanitarian crisis, and the broader implications for regional stability.
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